Mini-Guide: Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Island

LQ: 8.7

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Island is a time-management cooking app aimed at children ages 3 and up. The game gives you four levels for free. The goal for the player is to serve the customers ice cream treats based off of a specific recipe. The player must also complete the recipes in a certain amount of time. If the player does this, they will earn stars. In addition to the levels, players have access to an ice cream lab where they can create whatever they want (with no recipes to follow). The app has been rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and we stand by this rating, although children older than 8 will not find it challenging and gain little from the thinking skill practice it offers. Parents should be aware that the player must complete an in-app purchase to unlock the remaining levels and characters.

Time Management

Being efficient and aware of our use of time and effort.

Ice Cream Island is a cooking game where the player has to build recipes before the customer gets tired of waiting. This means that in order to be successful at the game, a player must be able to keep pace. They must be able to look at the recipe, process the ingredients in the right order, and present it to the customer, all while staying aware of the timer (in this case, represented by hearts) counting down. If they do not manage their time in this manner, the player will not earn the maximum number of stars and will receive treasure boxes (containing new equipment and ingredients) at a slower rate. Since this app is aimed at children as young as 3 years old, the timer is much more forgiving than the average "management" app.

Working Memory

Recalling and retaining information in our minds while working.

In order to play this game, the player must be able to follow directions. Each customer will walk onto the screen with a specific treat in mind. The player must identify, remember, and gather the ingredients, paying attention to the customer's request. The more times the player has to refer back to the customer's order (rather than using their own working memory skills), the longer it will take to complete an order. If they do complete the order, they will not get any stars, which will keep new levels and equipment from being unlocked.